The Lupus Book: A Guide for Patients and Their Families

by Daniel J. Wallace

The symptoms are puzzling, intermittent, and frequently seem mysterious rashes, sore joints, fatigue, headaches. It can take years to properly diagnose, often leaving its victims suffering not only from the disease, but from the uncertainty about whether they have the disease and
from the not-insignificant problem of finding a physician to treat them. The disease is lupus, which, simply put, is what happens to the body when it becomes allergic to itself. It is quite widespread and it is highly deadly, claiming the lives of thousands of patients yearly.
Now patients and their families can turn to The Lupus Book , a clear, reassuring guide that explains virtually every aspect of the disease. Written by Daniel J. Wallace, M.D., one of the world's leading experts on the subject, The Lupus Book is packed with useful, easy-to-understand information and
practical guidance for the sufferer. Here the reader will discover clear descriptions of the symptoms that most commonly afflict victims of lupus, a helpful survey of all aspects of diagnosis--from why the disease is so difficult to recognize to the latest, most innovative tests--and background
information on the cause of the disease, which researchers now believe is genetic in origin. Wallace shows how lupus may affect different organ systems in the body, including the brain, heart, and lungs; he offers well-informed advice on how patients can work with their doctors to take an active
role in fighting the disease through exercise, diet, and medication; and perhaps most important, he answers the questions he is most often asked by his patients, including queries on prevention, cure, sun exposure, pregnancy, and many other concerns. Throughout the book, Wallace reveals a talent for
communicating difficult concepts to the general reader as he illustrates his discussion with numerous anecdotes culled from his years of clinical experience (he has treated over one thousand lupus patients).
Nearly one million people suffer from lupus in the United States alone. More common than leukemia, multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis, and muscular dystrophy combined, lupus is a pervasive and little- understood condition. With The Lupus Book in hand, lupus sufferers as well as their families,
friends, and physicians have a reliable guide that will answer their questions and help them to better manage their day-to-day fight against this debilitating disease.

Genres: Nonfiction, Medical, Health, Medicine, Self Help

272 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Daniel Jeffrey Wallace is an American rheumatologist, clinical professor, author, and fellow. Wallace has published 400 peer reviewed publications, 8 textbooks, and 25 book chapters on topics such as lupus, Sjögren syndrome, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia. He has the largest cohort of lupus patients in the United States (2000).

A full professor of medicine (Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA), he is associate director of the Rheumatology Fellowship Program at Cedars-Sinai. His seminal contributions to research include being an author of the first paper to demonstrate vitamin D dysfunction and the importance of interleukin 6 in lupus, conducting the first large studies of apheresis in rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, and insights into the mechanisms of action of antimalarials.

Wallace's research accomplishments also include conducting many clinical rheumatic disease trials, examining the role of microvascular angina and accelerated atherogenesis in lupus, and work on anti-telomere antibodies which have garnered him 5 papers in The New England Journal of Medicine. Wallace's monograph, The Lupus Book, has sold over 100,000 copies since 1995.

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

great for those who may have an autoimmune disorder. You'll gain a wealth of inside information that most Doctors so not discuss with you. It will validate what you have been going through and most importantly...why

I run a support group online at http://www.LupusMCTD.com for fellow patients.
I hope you check us out.
Live chats, "library" charts, resources and muchmore.

"We Understand What You Are Going Through!"

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obviously this is a book with a limited audience, but if you have lupus, have a loved one with lupus, or for whatever reason have a particular interest in the disease, this is an incredibly informative text. For many this is the gold standard of lupus books (for the layperson, at least), and I can see why: Wallace goes into a lot of detail, and I learned tons of stuff that my internet searches hadn't revealed. Of course it's not a fun or light read, but 5 stars for being an excellent reference.

[Lala · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very easy read for understanding lupus. I refer back to it regulalry. Even booked a medical appt. with the author who practices in Los Angeles a few years back. Still a patient of his on a consult-basis and I consult with him and his nurses from time to time.

[Eliza T. Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my bible in terms of dealing with SLE Lupus--it has answered all my questions in a sinmple, non-alarmist way. Clear, concise user-friendly information. An added bonus is a thorough discussion of the medications typically used to treat Lupus and their side effects.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-written book about lupus. Written by a rheumatologist, this book simplifies medical jargon and answers many questions about the disease. This is not a boring book either. The doctor has a sense of humor and injects the chapters with experiences from people with the disease.

[Sheba Family · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for anyone with lupus and any friend or relative of a Lupie! It is an excellent book, easy to understand, well written and very informative. Absolutely essential to regaining control and understanding lupus.
The only reason I did not give it 5 stars is that it takes a conventional, biomedical approach. I believe this approach in combination with alternative treatments are most effective in treating Lupus. I encourage you to read this book first and as a priority, but then explore treatments not mentioned in the books (preferably that pertain to healing the gut in a permanent way). The latter is useful is you have moved passed the life threatening stage of the illness and looking to reach optimal health (I.e reduce or eliminate the more mild symptoms of pain, fatigue, mental fog, low grade fevers...). The book is essential knowledge for any lupus diagnosis right from the start and is especially relevant to a more active state of the illness.

[christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a fun read; it actually falls in the horror genre in places. However, it is well-written, and anecdotes are interspersed with the technical medical discussion. This is by far the top lay resource on lupus. It has been almost 10 years since my diagnosis, but I still learned a lot from the book.

[Lee (of Shalott) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd just like to chime in to agree that this must be the definitive reference for lupus patients. Wallace explains the auto-immune response in understandable terms, and discusses how each physical system is involved in lupus, making this an accessible & indispensable guide particularly for the newly diagnosed or those wanting a deeper understanding of this disease.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is really geared towards medical people. I regularly read this type of information because there isn't much out there for lay people when it comes to Lupus. There is a lot of information that was also in the previous edition.

[Lisa Bilodeau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative and thorough guide of a very complicated disease. In some places it is seems very medical-jargon-y, but is very helpful overall. It gave me an excellent overview, helped me review the areas I currently have issues with and allowed me to prepare questions for my doctor team.

[Reading Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my go to guide for any questions I have about my disease. I find it to be an invaluable resource.

[Robert Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a tough read. The first 9 chapters are very technical and full of medical jargon. Once you get past that it starts to become a little easier to understand.
There is a ton of information in this book. At times I felt a bit overwhelmed and had to step back from it. If you or someone you know has Lupus and have little to no knowledge of it and you want to get that information quickly, this is the book for you.

[Lea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative and now I can use it as a reference guide in the future

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I now see where the Dr. House joke of “It’s not Lupus” comes from – any part of the human body can be affected by Lupus - from the top of the head (alopecia) to the tip of the toes (Raynaud's phenomenon) and every single part in between. Wallace carefully makes his way through the human body and lays out in clear language and easy to understand diagrams and charts just how each part of the body can be affected.

And this disease affects women at a much higher percentage than men, so Wallace, bless him, spends a chunk of time assuring Lupus patients they aren’t crazy or imagining symptoms, even though, sadly, medical “professionals” are statistically likely to dismiss a woman with Lupus as just exaggerating or imagining her symptoms and pain and quickly misdiagnose her with something minor, so fight for your patient rights, ask questions, ask for help, and look for real support networks.

Easily accessible for the lay person with no medical background to read and digest. A well done introduction to the disease, laying out all parts of it in a calm and reassuring manner, addressing both physical and mental issues this disease brings with it, and, most importantly, letting people who have just gotten this diagnosis know that it is OK to rant and rave and be angry and that you shouldn’t blame yourself. As logical as that sounds, sometimes it’s what we really need to hear from someone else.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very thorough. Written in laymen's terms but with in-depth explanations to give the reader a more comprehensive knowledge of the disease without getting too bogged down with technical terms. It still satisfied my need to gobble up any and all medical info I can find, so the technical terms that were there by necessity didn't bother me.

[Debi Achey · Rating 4 out of 5]

good information but very technical even for a nurse. Was looking more for coping strategies, more than technical read on lupus pathophysiology. Good reference book to keep on your shelf to review during disease exacerbation.

[Gina Lynette · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I wouldn't give lupus any stars, this is a pretty helpful book if you need to know about it.

[Deana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative, sometimes the medical terminology is a bit hard to understand, but still very helpful and readable for all.

[JoanieF. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This will be a book I refer back to when I’m facing new symptoms, flares, or the what-now aspect of this rotten disease.

[Taylor Martin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Could be helpful from an overall medical perspective, but not particularly helpful for "patients and their families." I did not find it helpful in guiding at all. It spouted many statistics, protocols, theories, and overall medical ideologies, but very few things that would be important to the patient. Good thing I didn't have a problem with all the medical jargon...but I honestly don't think most people would make it through this book 🙄 and once they did, what would they have gained? I made it through and feel like I learned nothing more than what quick Google searching has revealed.

[Savannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never thought I’d need to read a book like this, but here we are. I was disappointed by the depth and clarity of information online concerning Lupus. One quick library search later and I found this book. The information presented can be overwhelming in its medical terminology but you are informed beforehand which chapters might be challenging to follow (6th edition btw) and encouraged to skip around as needed. This book helped me understand so much more than any I resource I found online and strongly suggest reading if you think you may have, do have, or love someone who has Lupus.

[Briana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been wanting to learn more in depth about lupus due to the possibility of me having it and this book was helpful to me ( I have MCTD and we’re not sure which autoimmune diseases yet but this is suspected). It explains a lot and does have a few tips that are helpful. Definitely recommend if you are suspected of lupus or have it.

[Malka Sabroe-JoHanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Empowering Education of Lupus

Appreciated the information clearly written in this book. Wish I had met this doctor thirty years ago when my condition was dismissed as being depression. A very thorough, a must read.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very helpful book. Read in 2014. Referred to often.

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Feels a little outdated in its presentation, despite being a 2008 edition. Learned some new lupus and autoimmune disorder details, as well as undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD). Understand differences between lupus and fibromyalgia more clearly now.

[Kaira · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't read this for fun, but because I was diagnosed with crossover lupus scleroderma and raynaud's phenomenon. It gave me lots of info that I didn't even get from my doctor and gave me lots to ask him and gave me new knowledge about what is wrong with me.

[Mariel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this book for work -- seeking resources & literature for patients and their families. Although it is still very medical/technical, this can serve as a great reference book particularly when needing general information about labs, medications, and lupus symptoms.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book -- lots info but a little dry.

[Candace · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far one of the best Lupus Books I have read. Dr. Daniel Wallace is like the God of Lupus!

[Julianna Bria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a helpful read when I was first diagnosed, and a great reference for me if I ever have a question about blood-work.